Court Stops NUPENG, Truck Drivers from Disrupting Dangote Refinery Operations

The National Industrial Court in Abuja has restrained the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from taking any action or strike that could disrupt production activities at the Dangote Refinery.

The interim order stops the two bodies, their members, and agents from embarking on any industrial action pending the resolution of a suit filed against them by Dangote Petroleum Refinery, MRS Oil Nigeria Limited, and MRS Oil and Gas Company Limited.

Justice E. D. Subilim issued the restraining order while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed by the three companies. The motion, marked NICN/ABJ/279/2024, was argued by George Ibrahim SAN of Ogwu James Onoja SAN & Co, Abuja.

In the application, Dangote Refinery had sought an interim injunction to stop NUPENG and its affiliates from embarking on any industrial action capable of crippling or shutting down its operations. It also requested an order to restrain the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association from joining any strike initiated by NUPENG that could disrupt its business.

The applicants further asked the court to compel the trucking association and its members to continue petroleum distribution services to them and the Nigerian public until the motion on notice is heard and determined.

Justice Subilim, in granting the application, restrained NUPENG, its members, and agents from any strike action until the dispute is fully resolved. The Judge also barred the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association and its members from participating in any strike that could frustrate the operations of the applicants, directing them to continue rendering services.

She explained that the restraining order, which will last for seven days, was necessary because a serious issue was before the court. The Judge further held that the balance of convenience favored the applicants, as failure to grant the order could cause irreparable harm.

Justice Subilim noted that the applicants had provided an undertaking as to damages in case the order was later found unnecessary.

A certified copy of the enrolment order indicated that the case file will be forwarded to the President of the Court for reassignment to another Judge following the conclusion of the vacation period.